Interchangeable utility table



L. J. USHER INTERCHANGEABLE UTILITY TABLE April 13, 1954 4' Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 27, 1950 .n :irllli.

INVENTOR. ZAURETT/I J USHER ZA M 44/ ATTORNEY April 13, 1954 J. USHER INTERCHANGEABLE UTILITY TABLE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 2'7, 1950 H HEM 1 M Z 4 INVENTOR. Lw/rzrm J Usnm MJW fl ATTORNEY April 13, 1.954 L. J. USHER 2,675,233

INTERCHANGEABLE UTILITY TABLE Filed April 27, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR. ZAI/RETT/I J USHER MJZ/M fiz/ ATTORNEY April 3, 1954 J. USHER 2,675,288

INTERCHANGEABLE UTILITY TABLE Filed April 27, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Apr. 13, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE INTERCHAN GE ABLE UTILITY TABLE Lauretta J. Usher, Chicago, Ill.

Application April 27, 1950, Serial No. 158,460 Claims. (01. 312 194) This invention relates to interchangeable utility tables and more particularly to a multipurpose table structure which in one position of adjustment has the utility and appearance of a flat top table or desk, and in another position of adjustment serves the purposes of an inclined table particularly suited for writing, drawing and drafting purposes.

In accordance with this invention, an interchangeable utility table is provided which comprises a pair of spaced end sections and an interchangeable and tiltable section mounted between the end sections and adjustable to provide either a flat top table or desk or an inclined working surface. Each end section may be made in any desired width or depth, equipped with one or more drawers, and presenting a fixed table top panel extending in a horizontal plane. The end sections are connected together in spaced relationship by a rear frame member and a front frame member. The tilting section comprises a drawer or tray which is hinged to the front frame member, the tray being normally closed by an intermediate table top panel which is hinged to the rear wall of the tray. The intermediate tilting section is hingedly supported at the front thereof by the front frame member, and the rear thereof is designed to be supported by the rear frame member when the intermediate section is in horizontal position, in which position the intermediate table top panel will lie in a horizontal plane substantially flush with the adjacent fixed table top panels of the end sections so that a substantially flat and continuous table top surface is provided which extends over the entire top area of the table.

Adjustable supporting devices are provided to support the intermediate section in inclined position so that the intermediate table top panel .presents a conveniently inclined work surface for The intermediate section may be released from its inclined position by exerting an incremental forward pull on the rear edge of the intermediate top wall panel sufficient to effect release of the latch dog which supports the intermediate section in tilted position, thereby permitting the intermediate section to be dropped down to horizontal table forming position. Access to the tray forma holding the intermediate top wall panel in open position.

This improved interchangeable utility table may be constructed to a size and heighth to serve as a childs utility table. When the intermediate section is adjusted to horizontal position, the

flat and continuous table top area extends over the entire top area of the table so that the table can then be used for eating and game purposes with ample drawers and compartments to contain childrens game, toy and writing paraphernalia. When the intermediate section is adjusted to inclined position, the inclined intermediate table top panel provides a convenient writing or drawing surface with the necessary accessories available in the tray forming a part of the tilting section and the drawers forming a part of the end sections. This improved utility table is so constructed to avoid any danger that the child may become injured in its use.

This improved utility table may also be shaped and designed within the purview of this invention to provide a bed table for invalids, in which case the table would be made light in weight and of convenient heighth with the end sections spaced to straddle the lower body or legs when extended under the intermediate section, and with the end sections resting on the side edges of the mattress or the side frames of the bed. When the intermediate section is adjusted to horizontal position, a flat and continuous table top is presented for eating and game purposes, and when adjusted to inclined position it is conveniently adapted for writing, drawing and drafting purposes with all the necessary materials and paraphernalia available in the intermediate tray and in the drawers of the end sections.

This improved utility table may also be designed and adapted within the purview of this invention for the convenient use of artists and draftsmen who prefer to preform their drawing or drafting work on an inclined surface, with ample and conveniently located drawers and tray space to contain the writing and drawing papers and materials, and with the top wall panels of the end sections providing flat surfaces on which to place additional papers and materials used in their work. When the intermediate section is adjusted to horizontal position, the flat table surface thus provided is particularly convenient when writing or dictating letters and memoranda.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

While certain novel features of this invention have been disclosed and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without depart-1 ing from the spirit of this invention.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of my improved interchangeable utility table showing the inter! mediate tilting section thereof in closed position to provide a flat and continuous table top.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the utility table as the same would appear when viewed along line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the utility table showing the intermediate section thereof in fixed tilted position at a convenient angle to provide an inclined writing or drawing board,

Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the supporting structure for the table as the same would appear when the sliding drawers and the table top panels are removed from the end sections and the intermediate tilting section is removed from the table structure.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the utility table showing the intermediate table top panel swung into full open position to provide ready access to the intermediate storage tray.

Fig. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken through one of the end sections of the utility table as the same would appear when viewed along line E- of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the utility table showing the intermediate section supported in tilted position as the same would appear when viewed along line 'l'! of Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is another transverse cross-sectional view through the utility table as the same would appear when the intermediate table top panel has been swung into full open position and viewed along line 8--.3 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary detail of the lower end of one of the bracket arms showing the associated latching dog as it would appear when about to be disengaged from the fixed stud which supports the intermediate section in fixed tilted position.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the utility table as the same would appear when viewed along line -i@lfl of Fig. 1, this view particularly illustrating the manner in which the rear edge of the intermediate table top panel is supported in closed position by the rear frame member of the table; and

Fig. 11 is another fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line iii-I ii of Fig. 1 showing the intermediate table top panel in process of being swung into open position.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawlugs and the specification.

R errin 2 r wings, this improved interchangeable utility table generally comprises a pair of spaced end sections and an intermediate section 25 tiltably mounted therebetween. Each end section l comprises an, outer leg forming panel 2 and an inner leg forming panel 3 in par-e allel arrangement as shown more particularly in Fig. 4. The outer and inner leg forming panels 2 and 3 may be connected by a front facing panel 4 extending from the bottom of the leg forming panels upwardly for only a fractional part of the height thereof to leave room for one or more sliding drawers thereabove. The rear vertical edges of the inner and outer leg forming panels may have a rear facing panel 5 secured to and extending therebetween for the full height thereof.

The end sections l of the table are connected by a horizontally extending rear frame member 6 whose ends may be secured to the adjacent rear edge faces of the outer leg forming panels 2 in a manner so that the top edge 6 of the rear frame member E5 is substantially flush with the top edge of the outer and inner leg forming panels 2 and 3 of the end section, as shown more particularly in Fig. 4. The rear vertical edge'of the inner leg forming panel 3 may be provided with a notch cutout 8 to neatly receive the rear frame member as shown in Fig. 4. The rear frame member 6 may be secured to the inner leg forming panels 3 as by screws 8' or the like as shown in Fig. 7. The end sections i are also connected by a front frame member 8 whose ends are connected as by screws or dowel pins 9 to the adjacent faces of the inner leg forming panels 3. It will be noted by referring to Figs. 4, 7 and 8 that the front edge of the front frame member 9 may be substantially flush with the front vertical edges of the inner leg panels 3, withthe top face of the front frame member 9 extending horizontally and positioned a distance below the top horizontal edges of the inner leg forming panels 3. The upper horizontal face of the front frame member 9 may be provided with spaced notches It to receive the hinges 3| which pivotally connect the intermediate tilting section :25 thereto.

Each end section i may be provided with a pair of drawer supporting side strips H and a front strip 12 secured to the inner faces of the outer and inner leg forming panels 2 and 3, said strips being designed and arranged to support a sliding drawer. The right hand end section as shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 5 contains a relatively deep drawer l5 slidably supported on the drawer guide strips II and i2 while the drawer guide strips H and I2 associated with the left hand end section of the table support a relatively shallow drawer 25. Thus an additional set of side strips 13 and a front strip M as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5 may be associated with the left hand end section to support a second and upper sliding drawer ll of relatively shallow depth. It will be appreciated that any selection of sliding drawers of varied depth may be mounted in the table end sections l and 2 as may be desired. The front panel of each of the drawers i5, is and ii may be provided with a handle forming pocket 58 to provide a convenient finger grip by means of which the drawer may be manipulated. Likewise, the outer leg forming panel 2 of each end section may be provided with a handle forming pocket is as shown in Fi s. 1, 3, 4 and 5 by means of which the utility table as a whole may be conveniently lifted and carried.

Each of the end sections has a table top forming panel 20 which is suitably secured to the upper horizontal edges of the outer and inner leg forming panels 2 and 3 thereof to provide a fixed table surface. The front edge 21 of each table top panel 20 may overhang or be made substantially flush with the front vertical edges of the leg forming panels 2 and 3, the rear edge 22' thereof may overhang or be made substantially flush with the outside face of the rear panel 5, the outer side edge 23 thereof may overhang or be made substantially flush with the outside face of the outer leg forming panel 2, and the inner side edge 24 thereof may also overhang or be made substantially flush with the outer face of the inner leg forming panel 3.

The intermediate tilting section 25 of this utility table generally comprises a tilting storage drawer or tray 26 which is designed to snugly nest between the inner leg panels 3 of the end sections The tilting tray 26 is formed by sturdy side wall members 21 whose ends are securedto a front wall tray panel 28 and a rear wall member 29 which support a bottompanel 36. The tray 26 is hingedly connected to the front frame member by the spaced strap hinges 3| secured to the lower edge of the front wall tray panel 28, the hinges 3| being inset intothe hinge notches I6 in the front frame member 9 and secured thereto in a manner to render the hinges substantially invisible when the table is viewed from the front thereof.

smooth and flat table surface for the entire table is provided, with a front edge 33 and the rear edge 34 of the table panel 32 substantially in alignment with the respective front and rear edges 2| and 220i the end table top panels 26, and with the side edges 35 of the intermediate table top panel 32 substantially flush with the adjacent inner side edges 24 of the end table top panels 26. Any possible finger pinching injury to the user is avoided by making each side edge 35 of the top panel flush with the outside face ,of the adjacent side wall member 21 of the tray 26.

As shown in Figs. '7 and 10, a pair of strap -hinges 36 hingedly connect the intermediate table top panel 32 to the rear wall member 29 of the tilting tray 26. By referring to Figs. 8, 10 and 11, it will be noted that the rear wall member 29 of the tray 26 is designed to swing within the rear frame member 6 with the overhanging rear portion of the intermediate table top panel 32 designed to rest on the upper edge 6' of the rear frame member 6 so that the rear portion of the tray 26 is suspended from the intermediate table top panel. A bumper strip 31 formed of resilient rubber or the like is inset into the under face of the intermediate table top panel 32 and is arranged to resiliently bear against the upper edge 6 of the rear frame member 6 when the intermediate table top panel 32 is in its horizontal position as shown in Fig. 10.

A finger grip cutout 38 is formed in the front edge 33 of the intermediate table top panel 32 by means of which the panel 32 may be grasped and swung upwardly as shown in Fig. 11 to its full open position as shown in Figs. and 8.

-When swinging the table top panel 32 to open position, it will be noted by referring to Fig. 11 that the rear lower corner 34' thereof slides over the top edge 6 of the rear frame member 6, the rear edge of the tray 26 then being raised a corresponding amount. When the table top panel .32 has been swung into full open position as shown in Figs. 5 and 8, the rear edge 34 of the table top panel 32 will seat flatly against the top edgeB'of the rear frame member 6 as shown in 'end section I.

6 Fig. 8, with the bumper strip 31 in contact with the rear wall member 29* of the tilting tray 26. As thus positioned, the intermediate table top panel 32 will remain in vertical extended position as shown in Fig. 5 without further support, permitting convenient access to papers and material contained within the tray 26.

The rear edge 34 of the intermediate table top panel 32 is also provided with a suitable finger grip cutout 39 by means of which the same may be grasped by a person sitting or standing in front of the table, and thereby lift the rear of the tilting section upwardly to the desired inclined or tilted position as indicated in Figs. 3 and 7.

Supporting devices 46 are provided for releasedly retaining the intermediate section in the desired tilted position. These supporting devices 46 may comprise a pair of strut arms 4|, each of which is pivotally connected at the upper end thereof by a sturdy pin 42 projecting from an angle bracket 43 secured to the lower edge of the adjacent side frame member 21 of the tray as indicated in Figs. 2, 7 and 8. Each strut arm 4| is provided with an elongated closed end slot 44 extending substantially the full length thereof. A stud pin 45 projects from a securing plate 46 which is secured as by screws 41 to the inside face of the adjacent inner leg panel 3 of each Each stud supporting securing plate 46 is located sufficiently below the upper horizontal edge of the inner leg panel 3 to permit the tray 26 to assume the intended horizontal position. The stud 45 extends through the elongated slot 44 in the strut arm 4| and may be provided with a head portion 48 to retain the strut arm in sliding engagement with the stud pin 45.

Each strut arm 4| has a latch dog 56 hingedly connected thereto as by a hinge rivet 5| as shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9. The latch dog 56 has a front cam face 52 which normally overhangs the elongated slot 44 and against which the fixed stud pin 45 may cam to swing the latch dog upwardly when the tilting section 25 is raised to approximately its intended tilted position. A further incremental raising movement of the tilting section 25 will cause the tip portion 53 of the dog to ride over the stud pin 45, permitting thelatch log to swing downwardly so that its concave saddle portion 54 will seat over the stud pin 45 and thus rigidly retain the tilting section 25 in fixed tilting position.

When the tilting section 25 is to be dropped back into horizontal position, the rear edge of the tilting section is further raised an incremental amount so that the leg 55 of the dog as shown in Fig. 9 is no longer supported by the stud pin 45, whereupon the latch dog is free to swing downwardly with the stud pin 45 located to the rear of the rear cam face 56 of the dog. The tilting section 25 can then be lowered, with the stud pin initially camming against the rear cam edge 56 of the latch dog so as to swing the latch hinge stud pin 45 thereagainst before the dog 50 is free to swing downwardly clear of the stud pin 56. The resilient bumper 5'? thus serves to indicate when the latching dog 56 has been withdrawn from the supporting influencelof the stud pin d5.

6%,. ti and 62 may be secured round the edges of the top wall panels 2!] of the end sections 1 and the top wall panel 32 of the intermediate tilting section 25 to prevent papers and other materials from sliding off. Utility tables may be constructed in accordance with this invention from wood, metal or plastics of selected weight and strength, may be artistically designed in various shapes and colors and can be manufactured at modest cost.

While certain novel features of this invention have been disclosed and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that Various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art Without departing from the spirit of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An interchangeable utility table includingin combination, a pair of end sections each having a horizontally extending table top panel, a rear frame member and a front frame member connecting said end sections in fixed spaced relationship, an intermediate section positioned between said end sections and presenting a containing tray having a table top panel swingably hinged to the rear edge of said tray and providing a closure cover therefor, and means for hingedly connecting said intermediate section to said front frame member to permit swinging movement of said intermediate section to and from inclined position, said intermediate table top panel having a rear extension adapted to rest on said rear frame member to support the intermediate section in horizontal position with the intermediate table top panel thereof substantially flush with the table top panels of said end sections.

2. An interchangeable utility table including a pair of end sections each having a horizontally extending table top panel, a rear frame member and a front frame member connecting said end sections in fixed spaced relationship, an intermediate section positioned between said end sections and presenting a containing tray having a table top panel swingably hinged to the rear edge of said tray and providing a closure cover therefor, means for hingedly connecting said intermediate section to said front frame 'member to permit swinging movement of said intermediate section to and from inclined position, said intermediate table top panel having a rear extension adapted to rest on said rear frame member to support the intermediate section in horizontal position with the intermediate table top panel thereof substantially flush with the table top panels of said end sections, and a resilient bumper strip. secured to the underface of said rear extension and designed to rest on said ,8 7 rear frame member when the intermediate table top panel is in horizontal position and to abut the rear wall of said tray when said intermediate table top panel isv swung into its maximum open position. g

3. An interchangeable utility table including in combination, a pair of end sections each presenting an inner leg panel and an outer leg panel connected by a horizontally extending table top panel and having one or more sliding drawers mounted between said inner and outer leg panels, a rear frame member and a front frame member connecting said end sections in fixed spaced relationship, an intermediatesection positioned between said end sections and presenting a containing tray having a table top panel swingably hinged to the rear edge of said tray and providing a closure cover therefor, means for hingedly connecting said intermediate section to said front frame member to permit swinging movement of said intermediate section to and from inclined position, said intermediate table top panel having a rear extension adapted to rest on said rear frame member to support the intermediate section in horizontal position with the intermediate table top panel thereof substantially flush with the table top panels of said end sections, and adjustable devices operably connected to said intermediate section and said end sections for adjustably supporting said intermediate section in inclined position.

4. An interchangeable utility table including in combination, a pair of end sections each having inner and outer side panels, a back panel, and a fixed table top panel defining a containing compartment accessible from the front thereof, a rear frame member and a front frame member connecting said end sections in fixed spaced relationship, an intermediate section positioned between said end sections and presenting a containing tray having a bottom wall panel, enclosing front, rear and side wall panels and a table top panel swingably hinged to the upper edge of the rear wall panel and providing a closure cover therefor, said front frame member having an upper surface extending substantially parallel to but substantially below the plane of the top panels of said end sections and providing a support for the front end of said intermediate section, means associated with said rear frame member and intermediate section for supporting the rear end of said intermediate section in horizontal position with the table top panel thereof substantially flush with the table top panels of said end sections, means for hingedly connecting the lower edge of the tray front panel to said front frame member whereby said intermediate section may be swung toand from selected horizontal and inclined positions, and spaced bracket devices operatively connected to said intermediate section and end sections for adjustably supporting said intermediate section in inclined position, said bracket devices having locking elements associated therewith automatically operative by initial incremental swinging movement of said intermediate section to selectively lock and unlock said intermediate section in inclined position.

-slidab-le drawers mounted therein, a rear frame member and a front frame member connecting said end sections in fixed spaced relationship,

an intermediate section positioned between said end sections and presenting a containing tray having a bottom wall panel, enclosing front, rear and side wall panels and a table top panel swing ably hinged to the upper edge of the rear wall panel of the tray and providing a closure cover therefor, said front frame member having an upper surface extending substantially parallel to but substantially below the plane of the top panels of said end sections and providing a support for the front end of said intermediate section, means associated with said rear frame member and intermediate section for supporting the rear end of said intermediate section in horizontal position with the table top panel thereof substantially flush with the table top panel of said end sections, means for hingedly connecting the lower edge of the tray front panel to said front frame member whereby said intermediate section may be swung to and from selected horizontal and inclined positions, and spaced bracket devices operatively connected to said intermediate section and end sections for adjustably supporting said intermediate section in inclined position, said bracket devices having locking elements associated therewith automatically operative by initial incremental swinging movement of said intermediate section to selectively lock and unlock said intermediate section in inclined position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Ninnber Name Date 1,893,552 King Jan. 10, 1933 2,131,576 Ziegler i Sept. 27, 1938 2,417,879 Merritt Mar. 25, 1947 2,436,773 Lambert Feb. 24, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 16,437 Switzerland Apr. 2, 1898 98,387 Sweden Mar. 19, 1940 

